Job Discussion Forums

[innes]

Hi,

I am a Belgian girl. My mother tongue is Dutch, but I also speak French, German, English, Spanish and Portuguese.

In August I am taking my TEFL course in Prague. Afterwards, I would like to start teaching. The only thing I'm not sure about is where to teach?

Being a non-native speaker, what are my options? Where will I be able to teach? Where will I NOT be able to teach?

Best regards and thanks!
Innes

[Chris_Crossley]

At the school in Wuhan, China, where I worked for two years (EF English First), there was a French girl teaching full-time for a year and a Rumanian girl teaching young learners during the weekend. I should say that the French girl had lived in Edinburgh, Scotland, for six years and spoke fluent English with an Edinburgh accent! Hence, I know for a fact that you could teach in a private language school in China even as a non-native speaker (NNS) of English.

However, she was actually told by the centre manager never to reveal to anyone that she was an NNS; however, a lot of the students were impressed by and were thus cool with this, as this young woman was living proof that it is possible to attain native fluency in a foreign language. However, it is easier for a French person to learn English compared to for a Chinese person given the vast linguistic differences between Chinese and Western European tongues!

You might find, though, that public-sector schools will insist on having native-speaker teachers, though, no matter how good your English is. The reason for that is that this is what they tell the students' parents": "We have native English speakers teaching at our school." They refuse to compromise on that just in case some arrogant fellow with more money than decent manners comes barging into the headteacher's office and making outrageous demands that the NNSs be booted out.

Hence, you can check out private language schools in China if you are thinking about teaching there as a non-native speaker, although you might find that ads will usually state "native speakers only". Don't let that put you off necessarily. Persist and you'll usually find a school to work at. Check out some threads so you'll know about the good and the bad things about working at private language schools in China, so you'll feel fully prepared if and when you come.

Good luck!

[Justin Trullinger]

Have a good browse through old topics on this and the newbie forum, as the issue has frequently been addressed.

In general, there is work for non natives, but it may require a higher level of qualifications.

Regards,
Justin

[Nomad Dan]

Hello, Innes... Well, I would just down-play the non-native part and advertise your fascinating knowledge of a diversity of languages. Especially if you are very comfortable in the English language...(who is to say you are not a native English speaker?)

If I were hiring, I would jump at securing a teacher with such a rich linguistic background in my employ.

Good luck to you.

Burma Dan

[innes]

Dear Burma Dan,

Thanks for your reply. I was really flattered, you put a smile on my face!

I know I've got an advantage thanks to my linguistic skills, however, if I apply for a teaching job in English, I don't think my other languages would be helpful.
I have already applied for some vacancies, but they all told me they needed native speakers.
Most employers ask for University Degrees, but in Belgium you only need a Bachelor's Degree in order to teach. So, it's very confusing! You can get a University Degree, but then you only learn the theoretical stuff, like literature etc, and not really speaking.

Greetings,
Innes

[Nomad Dan]

Innes,
I am confused as I thought that a bachelor degree was a university degree? Of course learning other languages would make a person more effective in teaching English. I think it is a very helpful quality as you have the ability to compare and contrast and be a true linguist.
Advertise yourself well...You speak languages that tie in nicely with English, the Asians should be all over that....
or, better yet, consider teaching Spanish or French in an International School.

Burma Dan

[Sweetsee]

Hi Innes,

Here in Japan a 4 year university degree is a minimum requirement.
Non-native speakers find work but it is difficult in a country that distinguishes between American and Australian English, as goofy as that may sound.

Regardless of where you decide to begin teaching I am sure the most you desire will be the least you receive. Your linguistic savvy will go a long, long way.

All the best to you, Innes!

[Justin Trullinger]

Hi there,

Just chiming in on the "Bachellors" confusion again. In English, a "Bachellors Degree" refers to a first university degree, usually one that last between 3 and 5 years, depending on country, major, amount of dope smoked...

But in some countries and languages, a similar name is used for the end product of secondary school. (Equivalent of high school diploma in the US, of roughly A levels in the UK, Highers in Scotland) In Spanish they call it "bachilerato." In French it has a similar name that I cannot spell and pronounce badly, "$#% if I know in Dutch, but you get the idea.

Hence the confusion that comes when non natives and natives speak in English together about "Bachelors" degrees. False cognants, really.

Regards,
Justin

[innes]

Dear Justin,

Very confusing!
In Belgium you've got 3 options after graduating from Secondary school:
1. You start working
2. You get a Bachelor's degree which is 3 years like teaching, management,marketing,...
3. You get a University degree which is at least 4 years like psychology, economics,...
Some courses can be both, so you choose between Bachelor and University depending on what you want to do as a career.

Anyway, for Belgian standards I've got 2 Bachelor's degrees.
Best regards,
Innes

[JZer]